Praetorian by Simon Scarrow (Headline, £18.99) (From York Press)

Praetorian by Simon Scarrow (Headline, £18.99)

9:00am Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Books By Bill Spence

CENTURION Macro and Prefect Cato are recalled to Rome to work undercover in the Praetorian Guard, the Emperor’s personal bodyguards,for there is a plot to assassinate Claudius the Emperor.

A bullion convoy has been ambushed and the grain supply of Rome has gone missing.

It all points to an inside job, for corruption comes easily to those in the top ranks. Using false names, they learn that a far-reaching Republican movement has spread into all levels of Roman society but just when they seem to be uncovering details of a conspiracy, Macro and Cato meet up with an old enemy who can reveal their true identity, which could cost both them and the Emperor their lives.

At the same time, the Emperor Claudius, in order to appease the starving people of Rome, arranges a lavish spectacular of bloodthirsty games; but this could just be the place for the assassins to strike.

Can just two men stop this tragedy and can they uncover the leading conspirators of a plot that would bring down Rome?

Simon Scarrow has a wide readership for he tells a fast-paced entertaining story that has impeccable historical research at its heart. Ancient Rome comes alive under his first-rate penmanship.

If you haven’t read any of his books I urge you to do so for there will be no turning back.